Matchsafe
after 1904
Medium
containers
Classification
containers
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener
Accession Number
1978-146-6
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Matchsafe (after 1904)** *Unknown artist; Containers; Smithsonian American Art Museum; Gift of Stephen W. Brener Carol B. BrenerStep into the everyday elegance of early 20th-century life with this matchsafe, a compact container designed to safely store and dispense matches. Dating from after 1904, it belongs to a fascinating class of utilitarian objects that blended functionality with subtle artistry. Before the rise of disposable safety matches and lighters matchsafes were essential accessories, protecting flammable matches from moisture and sparks while serving as pocket-sized treasures....
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...